While the 2026 NFL Draft might not feature the same high-end tight end talent as 2025, when two TEs went in the top 14 picks and five were selected in the first two rounds, there are still plenty of valuable prospects. Leading the way is USC’s Lake McRee.
What makes McRee such an intriguing prospect are his elite ball skills. This season, he’s made several tough catches, including a ridiculous touchdown reception against Notre Dame that stands out as one of the best tight end catches of the year. Beyond making highlight-reel plays, McRee is remarkably reliable, having dropped just two passes across his five-year Trojan career. He also excels in traffic, catching six of nine passes thrown to him in tight coverage this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
WHAT A CATCH LAKE MCREE ✌️@USCFB strikes first vs Notre Dame
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/KMJnYJup7k
McRee’s speed is another weapon in the passing game. He’s averaging 17.6 yards per catch, showing he can stretch defenses vertically, and nine yards per target, proving he’s more than just a check-down option. His combination of speed and dependable hands makes him a serious threat downfield.
Versatility and fit in the NFL
Versatility is another key strength. McRee has spent time both as an in-line blocker, typically in H-back formations, and split out wide as a receiver. An NFL team could even use him in a fullback role, exploiting mismatches against linebackers, and imagine him running wheel routes out of the backfield.
That said, there are factors that could push him into the mid-rounds. At 230 pounds, McRee is on the lighter side for a traditional Y tight end, though he is an underrated blocker who displays effort and athleticism in space. Another concern is his lower-body injury history, including a torn ACL in 2023 and a high school knee injury that cost him his junior season.
I project McRee as a fourth-round pick and rank him as the fifth-best tight end in the class. This is slightly higher than some analysts, as ESPN’s Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Steve Muench currently don’t list him in their positional rankings. However, Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the fourth-best tight end.
A potential landing spot could be the Green Bay Packers, who need depth behind Tucker Kraft, especially with Kraft returning from a major injury. McRee could be a strong fit for their fourth-round selection, currently 121st overall.